What to Eat in Los Angeles: Vegan Sweets

Los Angeles is known for many things: city of stars, palm trees, sunny skies, and quite possibly my favorite thing: it’s a vegan paradise.

Many desserts in common places aren’t typically vegan, which saves me from eating a primarily saccharine diet that would put Buddy the Elf to shame. Traveling to LA, I knew that I’d be eating my way through la la land sweets and made no attempt at restraint. I have zero self control when it comes to sugary treats and pretty much consider myself a confectionery connoisseur, so I hope my sinful selections inspire you! These are my 5 faves, plus an adorable bonus I just couldn’t leave out.

This. Place. Is. Epic. First of all, the guy working there was incredibly nice and helpful. You can create your own cinnamon roll with a plethora of toppings or choose from one of their recommendations. Did I mention it’s all vegan? Well, it’s all vegan. I got the birthday cake cinnamon roll and could not have been more pleased. It comes with cookie dough, marshmallows, icing, and sprinkles. I could hardly eat dinner that day. So worth it.

Nicest people ever. Again. Maybe it’s a vegan thing because these people are so patient and will happily give you all of the samples your heart desires. They even have a vegan honey ice cream—what?! Though, I highly recommend their signature flavor which is everything a unicorn’s dreams are made of. Coconut base, marshmallows, sprinkles, and it’s pink, of course! Look at this beauty in front of the adorable cocobella pastel wall. I got my scoops in a delicious waffle cone, which was also pink by some mystical bakery sorcery. Go here if you can, and definitely try to stop at Doomie’s Home Cooking for the most angelic vegan crispy chicken sandwich and “animal fries” beforehand. You won’t be sorry.

Step aside other bffs, Donut Friend is about to be your new bestie. These donuts are heaven sent (doughnut you dare forget). Seriously. Not only are they punny and seemingly mostly named after bands or music, but they’re totally dairy and egg free. My choices were the rose water and the s’morrissey (wow, what an amazing doughnut name). Perfection. Honorable mention goes the the strawberry and whipped cream combo that I had no room for (keeping that one in my heart space).

This place is actually a natural foods store with a rocking hot bar, smoothie bar, and deli. Think indie Whole Foods. You can get so many vegan goodies here including juices and full cakes. I had trouble picking my items here because I was a little overwhelmed… until I found these adorable macrons. These are the very first vegan macrons I’ve ever had or seen, so it was a big moment for me. I could’ve cried. I didn’t, but the sentiment was definitely in the air. In that moment, this rose water glowed out to me like a video game ruby that I had to snatch up (for my health, obviously).

No LA trip would be complete without a visit to one of the iconic Alfred coffee shops. This is the place that coined the ever popular “but first coffee” saying that we all love and relate to. It’s amazing that I let anyone speak to me before I dose up, but someone has to order so it’s for the best. Here, I got an iced soy vanilla latte with an extra shot (always) and it came with this amazing pink coffee sleeve.

This place is not all vegan, but there are some options and it’s honestly worth the stop to support those options that are vegan. After all, people won’t know plant based things can succeed if you don’t support them. Just make sure you get a pic with the floral wall and precious neon sign!

More ice cream! Okay, I know judgement is setting in for you at this point so I’d like to say that I unfortunately ran out of time and was unable to revisit this place, though I had every intention of doing so. I think it’s worth telling you about though because it’s also vegan and adorable. They have his beautiful neon sign, and I want you to live your life in the best way possible so you should know about it. Try this place (it’s beside Cinnaholic so you can really feed two birds with one scone with the Lyft ride there). Let me know how it is!

I feel so grateful and transformed from my week in LA and am counting the days until I can return for more adventures and treats.

Are those lovely treats really all vegan? I’m going to take your word for it. They all look yum and scrumptious. Hope to be able to grace at least one of those eateries with my presence on day. Thanks for sharing these finds with us your readers.

I have to try some of this places because I haven’t been and I live in LA but let me say Donut Friend is severing and more. It’s one of my favorite places to go eat. Thanks for sharing. Definitely grabbing my best friend to go on an adventure🧡

Oh you have to check them out then! There’s seriously so many places to go in LA, so it feels impossible to see them all! So cool that you live in LA though. What a dream. ✨ I have seriously been dreaming about donut friend since I came back to the east coast. Stay in touch! 💜

Thanks so much, Mrs. Tracy! Can’t go wrong with a little sugar! I definitely love trying to copycat recipes at home too! Though last time I tried to make doughnuts it was a HUGE failure! Live and learn! Haha!